Wednesday, March 25, 2015

JAL contemplating Dallas-Fort Worth.

Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] is considering Dallas-Fort Worth [DFW/KDFW], according to President Yoshiharu Ueki, especially after Toyota decided to move its North American headquarters to the Texas metropolis by 2017. Dallas-Fort Worth is the biggest hub of joint-venture (JV) and Oneworld partner American Airlines [AA/AAL], which currently operates double-daily to Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] from the Texas airport.

Boeing 777-246/ER JA705J Contrail departs Haneda. JAL has decided to refurbish most, if not all 11, of their 777-200ERs with their award-winning Sky Suite new interior product. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

"Dallas is an important destination under consideration, and we are discussing with American," said Mr. Ueki, revealing the two carriers are talking about JAL taking over one of American's two daily round-trips. "American has an extensive network to Latin America, and Dallas is also a good transfer city for Mexico, which is seeing more automobile companies establishing bases," Mr. Ueki continued, though refraining from giving any time frame.JAL, which just resumed Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Los Angeles [LAX/KLAX] on March 20th (JAL resumes Kansai – Los Angeles.), is keen on strengthening North America. Mr. Ueki prefers to serve Dallas from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT], which has nine daytime international slot-pairs for U.S.A. routes that have yet to be distributed, due to the authorities so far being unable to reach an agreement regarding which side receives how many. "Customers are calling for more North American routes from Haneda. We hope to see the two countries making progress in talks. JAL is ready to fly anytime," said Mr. Ueki.

Meanwhile, rival All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] is already preparing to launch daily Narita – Houston/George Bush [IAH/KIAH] on June 12th (ANA announces Houston and Southeast Asia expansion.), becoming the first Japanese carrier to serve the Lone Star State. Houston is a hub for JV and Star Alliance partner United Airlines [UA/UAL].